1453

The Holy War for Constantinople and the Clash of Islam and the West

By: Roger Crowley

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 10 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Now in audiobook format, a gripping exploration of the fall of Constantinople and its connection to the world we live in today.

The fall of Constantinople in 1453 signaled a shift in history and the end of the Byzantium Empire. Roger Crowley's listenable and comprehensive account of the battle between Mehmed II, sultan of the Ottoman Empire, and Constantine XI, the 57th emperor of Byzantium, illuminates the period in history that was a precursor to the current jihad between the West and the Middle East.

©2016 Crowley (P)2016 Hachette Audio

A must read for history students

Its an incredible story with consequences that still echo to our time. The Islamic Caliphate tried for centuries to take this city because they knew the strategic significance not only controlling access to the black sea but also as a gateway to Europe. It must be understood that that gateway to Europe is being exploited to this day and the long march of Islam is still underway.

A grand story beautifully read.

This book tells the story of the fall of Constantinople with great balance between sufficient detail to really understand the people and events but without such minutiae that would make it tedious. As a reader who has not read a lot of history, especially of the "ancient" varies, I was captured by this story and am inspired to seek other similar works.

Thanks to the author and the reader!

Enthralling

This story was incredible. Hard to listen to in parts knowing how devastating this event was to the Greek people and Orthodox Church. The author makes you forget that you know the end and start rooting for people. The narration is flawless

A Vivid and Informative History.

``1453'' is the most interesting and informative history that I have listened to (or read) in a long time. The book not only deals with the battle for Constantinople, it covers the political dealings of the Pope and the city states of Italy in deciding whether to send military support to defend the city. The origins of the Turkish people is also covered. Not a dry historic account. The author's narrative of some of the battles are as exciting as those found in a historical fiction novel. The reader is excellent.
As a follow-up to ``1453'' I listened to the historic fiction novel, ``The Dark Angel'' by Mika Walteri (also available on Audible). ``Dark Angel, while fiction, retells most of the historic events and people that are contained in ``1453.''
I recommend both books and I look forward to listening/reading Roger Crowley's other histories.

incredible! Incredible!

short but very well-crafted and very well written history of the fall of Constantinople. excellent narration, narrator has a wonderful engaging voice.

School reading

we downloaded this book for our son. Started listening ourselves through our Audible account and ended up really enjoying it and looking forward to listening! Well done!

A wonderful work of popular history.

The book itself is a wonderful work of popular history. The recording was very good for a history book.

Very descriptive and exciting work

I was sucked in by the history and how the author made them come alive. Worth reading a few times. Very well read as well

terrific book

this book is written brilliantly the description is vivid and colorful it makes you feel like you are watching the conflict unfold in real time

First rate experience of an important historical event

I’ve long been an admirer of the Eastern Roman civilization. This audio book is a first rate in depth explanation of the sad and heroic final days of this period of history. At the end of all great civilizations there is always a sadness for those whom are inspired by great history. A great and enjoyable listening.